Blue Jeans to Bag Tutorial!

   I needed a new bag..So I started looking at the fabric I have. As I looked at my fabric I didn't really have any material that was real durable.  So I went looking in my closet..Now if you are anything like me, you have clothes that are different sizes. Pregnancy has had that weight gain/loss effect on me. :)  Needless to say, I have skinny jeans and in-between jeans, also maternity jeans.  I found a pair of in-between jeans that would make a good bag. So the project started! Follow this tutorial to make a NEW bag!

Materials: Sewing machine, Fabric (1- 1.5 yards will do of same or scrap material), Thread, magnetic button, 
1. Cut the leg bottoms of the jeans..I cut about 13" from bottom. (or cut the size fabric you want your bag..remember the seam allowance) Cut up the inside seam of each leg. You can  trim off any excess inseam. This will be the main part of bag.

 2. Using one of the open sides as a pattern, cut 2 contrasting pieces for the bags inside liner. Cut your inside layer at least 2" taller if you want to fold it over for a trim.  I only cut mine 1.5" taller and it wasn't enough..you'll see later.

 3.Cut 2 contrasting material (or same as main bag) for pockets.  Measure how big you want the pockets.  I measure up one side of the bag, starting from bottom of main bag. The pocket size I used was 7" x the width of the bag. (note if you use a pant that has a small flare like mine were the bag will not be totally square.) I cut my pockets straight and trimmed off the excess fabric later..you can cut it the same shape now or later. Use the side of your main bag as a pattern for the width of pockets. I doubled up my pockets for strength. So I cut two pieces for each side. Four in total. I used contrasting fabric for inside liner. Just like for the inside liner for the main bag, cut the pocket liners about 2" taller than the outside pocket. If you want the trim of course. Then lay them wrong sides together.  Fold and iron top of liner 1/2" down. Then fold over pocket and iron. Sew on the top of trim 1/8" from edge.

 4. After putting together both pockets (one for each side of bag), lay one pocket on outside of the main bag. Sew down the center to connect it to the bag and create two pockets on one side. Do the same to the other side. remember to back stitch. I also went over it twice. Now you have four pockets! two on each side of bag. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the pocket sewn on.

 5. With pockets sewn, put right sides of bag together and pin.  Make sure you have a heavy duty needle or one that can be used on jeans. Sew around sides and bottom. 1/2" from edge..don't accidentally sew the top closed. Pull right side out and push the corners.

 6. Now to sew the liner of the bag..quick and easy.  Pin right sides together and sew 1/2" around sides and bottom. After sewn put the liner in the bag. Wrong sides together.

 7. Remember I said that I cut my trim too short..Well, I just left the edges raw with the frayed looked.  Otherwise you would do what you did for the trim on the pockets. Fold and Iron. To add the magnetic button you will want to mark where you want it on the inside of bag. Cut with a seam ripper. Then push it through both layers of the bag..minus the trim for the outside. Put the washer on the back and bend the prongs tight on washer. Do same on the other side of bag with the other side of button. Make sure to match the position of button sides.

 8. Fold over trim and sew 1/8" from edge.  I sewed a second row 1/8" from first.

9. I wanted something easy for the strap. I cut the waistband off the jeans and used that. Cut the belt loops off..be careful not to cut too close to the waistband, this could make holes. Cut the waistband in half and now you have two straps.  The button connects the strap at the top. Fold the raw edge of strap under about 1.5" and pin on one side of bag, preferably on the side seam. Sew a box with an X..I went around twice. Do the same on the opposite side. 

The bag is done!  Turned out a bit more juvenile then I would prefer..but It's a bag. When going places or running errands with my kids, I always need some sort of bag for those snacks or diapers etc.  Just remember, if it doesn't turn out the way you imagined, at least you learned something. Or you can give it away as a gift!!

Pajama Pants Tutorial

  My little girl was in need of some more jammies..cozy warm jammies.  It is still quite cold outside and there are times when spring seems so far away.  As I was looking around in my kids closet I found an old flannel receiving blanket.  It must have missed the baby girl box some how. As I looked at the flannel blanket, I thought FABRIC!  Great for those warm PJ's! Plus they make soft jammies that are instantly broken in. If you are ever in need of fabric and want to be thrifty..look around your house..You would be surprised at what you can find and use.  Re- Purpose! Here is an old pioneer saying:
                                         

                                              USE IT UP, WEAR IT OUT, 

                                           MAKE DO OR DO WITHOUT!

Supplies needed: Old blanket, Scissors, Thread, Sewing Machine, Iron, 3/4" Elastic (or other size)
 1. Fold the blanket so you can cut out 2 legs.  I made a quick sketch of what a leg would look like. You can also get a pair of pants to use as a pattern. I used a pair of pants for length. Cut out two legs on the folds. Note: Measure were you want the waist to fall and add extra length at the waist (approx. 1 1/4") because of the casing that will be made. Also remember 1/2" seam allowance on the legs. I didn't need to hem the bottom of legs because I cut the leg out with the bottom at the hemmed edge of blanket. Be sure to cut extra at the curve to make sure those legs can move.

2. With right sides together sew the inseam of legs 1/2" from edge. Stop when you get to the center. Serge edges or zigzag the edges to help eliminate fraying.  My serger is having problems so I did a zigzag. Iron the seams flat.

3. Pin the 2 legs together at the waists down to the center. Sew from one side of the waist, down to center, back up to the other side of the waist. Zigzag those edges.

4. Cut a piece of elastic the size you want the waist to be plus approx 1" for seam. If using other than 3/4" elastic you may have to change the length you fold over for the casing. With wrong side out, fold the top of pants 1/4" all the way around. Iron it down. Then fold it down 1" and iron. Sew the casing all the way around about 1/8" from edge. Remember to stop when you get near the beginning about 1"-1 1/2"..leaving an opening to pull elastic through. Remember to back stitch.

 

 5. Pull the elastic through. Put safety pins on both ends of elastic. Pin one end of elastic to the pants next to the casing. Push and pull the other end through until you can pull it out the opening.  Pull elastic out a little so it can be sewn together. Overlap the elastic about 1"-1 1/2". Sew the elastic together..sew a box with an x. Put elastic back in the casing. Sew the casing closed. Remember to back stitch.

Before you do away with those old baby blankets..Use them! 

They make good and soft JAMMIES!

Turn Toddler Bodysuit Into A Little Boys Shirt!

  I like onsies to keep the tummy covered and for extra warmth in the winter. I don't mind bodysuits for little newborns, but for my 16 month old, bodysuits are not my favorite.  I hardly ever buy them.  So the bodysuits that were given to my son don't get much wear. I only put them on when we stay around the house or when they are the only thing clean. I decided to transform them into shirts so he could use them more!
1. Lay flat and cut just above the leg straight across to the other side.  Because mine had horizontal stripes it made cutting a straight across pretty easy.

  2. Turn the edge under about 1/4" and then another 1/2" and sew around 1/2" from the edge.  DONE! I'm ready for the next one!

          Extra shirts are nice for a cute and curious, messy toddler!